Stone setting methods

Abstract

A method of producing stone set jewelry includes the step of forming at least one affixation groove within the stone to be set in the jewelry. A stone to be set with the present method should have an upper and a lower portion which is at least substantially entirely hidden from view when the upper portion of the stone is viewed. In accordance with the present method the affixation groove should be formed in the lower portion of the stone such that it too is hidden from view when the upper portion of the stone is viewed. A heat setting method is disclosed for improving the bond between the pavilion of the stone and the wax model used in the casting process. The method also includes the deposition of a mounting material within the affixation groove by applying a conventional casting method. Finally, any excess deposited mounting material can be removed and the stone affixed to the article of jewelry via the mounting material such that the mounting material of a completed article of jewelry is not visible when the stone is viewed from the upper portion thereof. New articles of jewelry formed from the methods of producing jewelry are also disclosed.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method for affixing a stone in a wax jewelry model of the type used in conjunction with the lost wax casting method, the stone including a table on one side thereof, a converging pavilion on an opposite side thereof and a girdle therebetween, said pavilion including at least one affixation groove, said method comprising: 
       placing the stone in the wax model with the pavilion facing toward the wax model and the table facing away from the wax model;  
       applying heat and pressure to the table of the stone to an extent necessary to at least partially melt that portion of the wax model immediately adjacent to the pavilion of the stone whereby the wax penetrates at least a portion of said groove; and  
       allowing the stone and wax model to cool.  
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of applying heat and pressure to the table of the stone comprises: 
       applying a heated element to the table of the stone for a period of time sufficient to raise the temperature of the stone to approximately 40° C.  
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of applying heat and pressure to the table of the stone comprises: 
       using hand pressure to apply a heated element to the table of the stone for a period of time sufficient to raise the temperature of the stone to approximately 40° C.  
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the period of time can vary from 5 to 30 seconds depending on the size and weight of the stone. 
     
     
       5. A method of affixing a stone onto a piece of jewelry, the stone including a table on one side thereof, a converging pavilion on an opposite side thereof and a girdle therebetween, said method comprising: 
       modifying the stone, said modification consisting of forming at least one affixation groove in the pavilion of the stone;  
       forming a wax model of the stone-receiving portion of the piece of jewelry;  
       placing the stone on the wax model with the pavilion facing toward the wax model and the table facing away from the wax model;  
       applying heat and pressure to the table of the stone to an extent necessary to at least partially melt that portion of the wax model immediately adjacent to the pavilion of the stone whereby wax penetrates at least a portion of the affixation groove; allowing the stone and wax model to cool; and  
       using the lost wax casting method to cast mounting material in place of the wax model, the wax model being configured so that the mounting material is not visible when the piece of jewelry is viewed from the table side of the stone.  
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , wherein said forming at least one affixation groove comprises: 
       cutting the groove into the stone using a blade which is advanced toward and into the pavilion of the stone at an angle of ninety degrees; and  
       causing relative rotation between the stone and the blade whereby a generally annular groove is formed, said groove circumscribing the pavilion of the stone.  
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 5 , wherein forming at least one affixation groove comprises: 
       cutting a first linear groove into the stone using a blade which is advanced toward and into the pavilion of the stone at an angle of ninety degrees; and  
       cutting a second linear groove into the stone using a blade which is advanced toward and into the pavilion of the stone at an angle of ninety degrees.  
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 5 , wherein forming at least one affixation groove comprises: 
       cutting a groove defined by two symmetric adjoining walls.  
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 5 , wherein forming at least one affixation groove comprises: 
       cutting a groove defined by two opposing sidewalls and an adjoining bottom wall.